William Donald Vandertulip, Jr., Donny, a beloved and faithful husband, devoted father, cherished son and brother, adored uncle, and hardworking teacher, passed away at his home in San Antonio on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Born on December 29th, 1975, in McAllen, Texas, Donny was the oldest of four children. He spent his childhood in San Antonio, attending Churchill High School and graduating from Castle Hills First Baptist High School. He made his profession of faith at Trinity Baptist Church at 8 years of age with Buckner Fanning as his pastor. He was blessed to be an active part of the youth group at Trinity and had many fond memories of church camp and youth activities.
He met his wife, Chelle, in 2006 through his sister-in-law, Julie. Chelle and Julie became friends while teaching together at Colby Glass Elementary in Northside ISD. Donny and Chelle were married June 21, 2008, in Iowa, and started building their life together in San Antonio. They were blessed with two children, Liam and Emma, who were the light of his life. He wanted nothing more than to make his family happy. They spent many summers and holidays with Chelle’s family in Iowa. Some of his favorite time was spent fishing on the lake, firing up the smoker for some BBQ, and shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July with family.
Donny’s love and dedication extended beyond his family and out toward the countless students he served. He served many years as a tutor and substitute teacher in Comal ISD. After graduating with his Bachelor of Education in 2022, Donny took a position in Special Education at Morningside Elementary. This year he began teaching at Danville Middle School as a Special Education teacher.
In December 2023, Chelle was diagnosed with cancer. Facing this trial, Donny held even tighter to his family. Donny loved his family in every circumstance: car rides to Iowa, in hospital rooms, on sports fields, at gymnastic practices, in the halls at school. Donny held them together in laughter and tears; in peace and worry; in hope and hopelessness. Ultimately, Donny had the hope of Jesus, our Hope in life and death.
Donny is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Betty Vandertulip and Joe and Virginia Bridge; aunts, Suzie Bell, Marinela Bridge, Pam Vandertulip; uncle, Jack Strawn, Dennis Bell; cousin, Josiah Vandertulip.
He is survived by his wife, Chelle Vandertulip; children, Liam and Emma Vandertulip; parents, Don and Ginny Vandertulip; siblings, Lynn Aaron (Michael), Joe Vandertulip (Julie), and Lee Vandertulip (Rosemary); brother-in-law, Joe Isenberg; nieces and nephews, Virginia, Will, Joshua, Rebecca, and Jacob Aaron; Emily, Daniel, and Morgan Vandertulip; Nora Vandertulip; Mitch Dipple and Katrina Isenberg; his in-laws, George and Rose Isenberg. He was also blessed to have numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in his life.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North 2102 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio, Texas 78232.
A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Churchill Baptist Church 12400 Vista View St, San Antonio, TX 78231.
